Next Game

Let's bounce back at the Ricoh !

So 4 wins to start the season wasn't to be with the performance at Walsall failing to reach the standards achieved in the opening fixtures. However I don't think there's too many of us that wouldn't have settled for 9 points out of 12 when the fixture list was compiled. The exciting attacking football we've seen and the quantity and quality of goals scored have made this the best start to a season for a very long time.

Certainly better than anything we've seen since falling out of the Premier League.

Although ultimately a disappointing day at the Banks Stadium there remains plenty to be positive about. That's not to say we should be getting carried away. With over a week left until the transfer window closes now would seem to be a good time to strengthen the side and we have faith in Tony Mowbray to identify the additions he needs to build a squad capable of making a promotion push if not a marked improvement on what we've seen in recent seasons.

The premature departure of James Maddison ( we hope his injury is not too serious) demonstrated just how important he is to the side.His was a huge loss and the link up play he provides so well was sorely missed once he went off It was also clear that Walsall boss Dean Smith had done his homework and therefore managed to negate much of our remaining attacking flair.

I'm sure Mowbray had already identified for himself that the promising young team he's assembled will need further help as the season progresses but Saturdays defeat will no doubt serve as a timely reminder of what's required.

Hopefully the early season optimism will not be dampened by losing to a decent side in Walsall. The next match at the Ricoh looks very winnable so potentially a quick return to the top of the league could be on the cards.

It would be great to see the biggest crowd of the season against Southend United on August Bank Holiday Monday and the terrific atmosphere we've seen for the Wigan and Crewe games recreated to spur the lads onto victory. Ticket arrangements have been improved, the club deserving credit for their quick reaction to the unacceptable handling of distribution earlier in the week, so if you're prepared to visit the Ricoh ( and we totally understand the position of those who remain adverse to returning whilst our current owners remain in place) and have been wavering about whether to get up to the Ricoh there shouldn't be any obstacles to prevent you getting along to enjoy what should be another entertaining and hopefully successful evening.